by Kristi Jain | Mar 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
Hello! As I am sitting down to type this week’s blog, I have a huge glass of alkaline (Kangen) water sitting next to me that I intend to drink. In the days prior to intermittent fasting, it would be plain water. Now it has a skosh of Himalayan Sea salt in it. Why you might ask? Let me explain.
HYDRATION
Staying hydrated plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The entire human body is 55 to 65% water. The average human can go for 10 days to a few months without food but wouldn’t survive more than three days without water. This brings me to the question, why add salt?
SODIUM
Hydration is important and especially important if you are fasting. You can incorporate sodium (in moderation) into your water to help replenish your electrolytes. Does that answer your question? A question that I had prior to all this fasting stuff is, what exactly are electrolytes?
WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?
Healthline.com explains that electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help the body maintain optimal function. Electrolytes are crucial to many functions that keep you alive including the operation of your brain, nerves, muscles (including those that keep your heart beating) and the creation of new tissue. They help regulate the balance of fluid in the body and regulate pH levels. You lose electrolytes when you sweat. You must replace them by drinking fluids that contain electrolytes. Water does not contain electrolytes. Common electrolytes include:
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Sodium
FOOD
The question becomes, how do you get electrolytes in your body? Most people get enough electrolytes from daily foods and beverages they consume. In some instances, electrolyte beverages such as sports drinks may be a good way to quickly replace fluids, carbohydrates, and electrolytes that are lost during extreme activity, sweating or illness such as fever, diarrhea or vomiting. The fact of the matter is there are many foods with electrolytes including:
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Coconut water
- Spinach
- Watermelon
- Milk
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Beans
- Leaf Vegetables
- Oranges
- Raisins
- Yogurt
- Kale
- Almonds
- Tofu
- Beet green
- Butternut squash
- Lentils
- Sunflower seeds
- Pickle juice (yes pickle juice)
- Fish
- Turkey
- Chicken
BALANCE
Electrolyte imbalance can occur. This could result from dehydration, certain conditions such as chronic kidney disease that cause high levels of potassium, some people with type 1 diabetes or eating disorders such as bulimia. Also, certain medications may cause this condition to occur. Always check with your health care provider if you have symptoms, issues or questions.
HDD
Here we are at the end of the blog and I drank my entire glass of water while typing. In closing, I remind you that we at HDD cannot possibly see your electrolyte level through diagnostic ultrasound. A simple blood test can give your healthcare provider that information. We can see many of your internal organs, muscles, joints and tendons. If you need us to take a look, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Mar 8, 2023 | Uncategorized
Hello! Thanks for taking a few minutes to read today’s blog. Hopefully it will redirect your mind for a bit and open you up to a new idea or two. Isn’t it amazing how we like what we know yet we don’t always know what we like?
TRAPPED
Raise your hand if you have ever been stuck in a rut. Often we get trapped in situations or even ways of thinking that make us feel stuck. Feeling safe makes us stuck. So, how do we get unstuck?
STUCK
“Stuck means being unable to move, or being set in a particular position, place or way of thinking; Unable to change or get away from a situation.”
IT WORKS!
Being stuck in a routine or mindset usually has deep psychological and emotional reasons. Our comfort zone is often the culprit that is keeping us stuck. Why do we stay there? Because it works! The question becomes, is it serving me and is releasing my comfort worth the anxiety of the new and unknown? The fact of the matter is, we are not all the same. Many stay stuck because being stuck is comfortable. There is nothing wrong with that. If that’s not OK, take a walk on the wild side and find out if you know who or what you like rather than simply liking who or what you know.
FOR EXAPMLE…
Due to new insurance, I had to see a new dentist. Bummer! I was very comfortable with the old one however they don’t take my new insurance, so what’s a gal to do? The answer is, find a new one. It’s like finding a new doctor, clinic, bank or hair stylist. Sometimes you have a choice, and sometimes you don’t. By the way, I am very pleased with my new dentist!
PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE
Now here comes the scary part. How do I put myself out there attempting to escape my rut without looking like an idiot or worrying about what people think? The fact of the matter is, people will have opinions no matter what you say, think or do. The opinion of others is none of your business. Do what serves you.
FATE
An article I read on Quora.com asks the question, “What’s the fate of people who never leave their comfort zone?”
- A routine that becomes stale.
- A life that feels confined.
- An absence of thrill.
- Loss of drive.
- Loss of creativity.
- Loss of imagination.
- Loss of inspiration.
- Loss of self-esteem.
- Never experiencing anything new.
- Never learning anything new.
- Inability to feel pleasure.
- Wondering what if?
- Never knowing what could have been.
Suffice it to say, you simply must do what works for you.
HDD
At High Desert Doppler, we like what we know and we know what we like. We welcome new patients, ideas and suggestions. Our goal is to make your visit comfortable, convenient, professional, and pleasant. When you and your medical professional determine that diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Mar 8, 2023 | Uncategorized
Hello! Thanks for taking a few minutes to read today’s blog. Hopefully it will redirect your mind for a bit and open you up to a new idea or two. Isn’t it amazing how we like what we know yet we don’t always know what we like?
TRAPPED
Raise your hand if you have ever been stuck in a rut. Often we get trapped in situations or even ways of thinking that make us feel stuck. Feeling safe makes us stuck. So, how do we get unstuck?
STUCK
“Stuck means being unable to move, or being set in a particular position, place or way of thinking; Unable to change or get away from a situation.”
IT WORKS!
Being stuck in a routine or mindset usually has deep psychological and emotional reasons. Our comfort zone is often the culprit that is keeping us stuck. Why do we stay there? Because it works! The question becomes, is it serving me and is releasing my comfort worth the anxiety of the new and unknown? The fact of the matter is, we are not all the same. Many stay stuck because being stuck is comfortable. There is nothing wrong with that. If that’s not OK, take a walk on the wild side and find out if you know who or what you like rather than simply liking who or what you know.
FOR EXAPMLE…
Due to new insurance, I had to see a new dentist. Bummer! I was very comfortable with the old one however they don’t take my new insurance, so what’s a gal to do? The answer is, find a new one. It’s like finding a new doctor, clinic, bank or hair stylist. Sometimes you have a choice, and sometimes you don’t. By the way, I am very pleased with my new dentist!
PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE
Now here comes the scary part. How do I put myself out there attempting to escape my rut without looking like an idiot or worrying about what people think? The fact of the matter is, people will have opinions no matter what you say, think or do. The opinion of others is none of your business. Do what serves you.
FATE
An article I read on Quora.com asks the question, “What’s the fate of people who never leave their comfort zone?”
- A routine that becomes stale.
- A life that feels confined.
- An absence of thrill.
- Loss of drive.
- Loss of creativity.
- Loss of imagination.
- Loss of inspiration.
- Loss of self-esteem.
- Never experiencing anything new.
- Never learning anything new.
- Inability to feel pleasure.
- Wondering what if?
- Never knowing what could have been.
Suffice it to say, you simply must do what works for you.
HDD
At High Desert Doppler, we like what we know and we know what we like. We welcome new patients, ideas and suggestions. Our goal is to make your visit comfortable, convenient, professional, and pleasant. When you and your medical professional determine that diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Mar 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
I know, I know. I’m growing weary as well. We get a tease of mid 50’s weather here in “The Q” and we are ready for spring. Then the following few days we get a healthy blanket of snow. NO! I’m done. I’m sick of layers and a frozen nose. I want shorts and flip flops. I’m ready for spring!
WHOA
Whoa, slow down there partner. We have a good month before we can even remotely get our hopes up. My mom used to say the best thing about January is that is ends. February is making a pretty quick exit as well. We don’t want to wish our lives away however, spring is “just around the corner!”
JUST AROUND THE CORNER
Languagehumanities.org defines the term “just around the corner” or “just around the bend” to suggest that something you are anticipating is going to happen in a very short amount of time. For those who don’t adore winter, while we wait out the last few weeks, perhaps we should do something productive until spring has sprung.
SPEAKING OF WHICH…
The faithful have a religious holiday on the horizon which starts with 40 days to focus on spiritual matters, along with fish on Fridays and no meat just to mention a few. Others have candy, bunnies, parties and an Easter dress in mind. I have personally never been big on the idea of “giving things up” but prefer to “do something” instead. I read an article on blog.oakkknoll.org that reinforces what I try to adhere to. If you choose to give something up…by all means go for it. Might you also consider doing something kind for someone as well as yourself as we move toward spring. We are just around the bend for a time of renewal and restoration.
- Volunteer your time. Everyone has 24 hours in their day.
- Take up a collection or donate to those who may need it. What is an extra couple of bucks to you?
- Clean out your closet and give to someone who has less than you do. Do you really need 10 blankets, 20 coats and 30 sweaters?
- Call a friend or relative who might love to hear your voice. They may be feeling lonesome.
- Invite someone to coffee or lunch. Be the good you want to see in the world.
- Help with a task. Many hands make light work.
- Give a sincere compliment. You’ll probably make their whole day.
- Make someone laugh.
HDD
Random acts of kindness can change a life. With the change of seasons can come with a change of attitude, habits and actions especially when it comes to your health. At HDD we strive to focus on patient care and relations no matter what season is upon us. We recognize you, the patient, as the most important part of our team. Without you, there is no us. Thank you for your trust in our company and thank you for your continued support. As always, when diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Feb 22, 2023 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog will cover something that I have never been remotely interested in until recently. The subject du jour is stretching. I know…boring. I am one of those who just wants to immediately hit the weight room floor or hit the pavement for a walk. I’m far too hyper to waste my time stretching…until now.
IT’S TEMPTING
Especially when you are in a hurry, it is easy to become tempted to skip stretching. I am guilty as charged. I always felt like it wasted my time. Clearly I was wrong. Stretching is very important to improve circulation, increase blood flow and prevent injury.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE
I’m ashamed to say that I have been actively stretching for only about a month now. I’m here to tell you it makes a huge difference even in that short amount of time. Nasm.org give us the 5 biggest benefits of stretching.
- Increases flexibility to prevent injury.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Improves strength.
- Allows freedom of movement.
- Improves relaxation and mental wellbeing.
STATIC
There are a few different forms of stretching. Static stretching is possibly the most common form. This type of stretching involves lengthening a muscle to its furthest point and holding that position for at least 30 seconds. This type of stretching can lengthen a tight muscle and increase flexibility when performed often if not daily.
DYNAMIC
Dynamic stretching is movement based stretching. It requires working muscles through a range of motion to increase flexibility and mobility. Unlike static stretching, these poses are not held.
YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD!
I am proof that you aren’t too old. Although I admit I’m still not a fan of stretching, I now do it because I understand how important it is. I can’t say it is comfortable just yet but I imagine it will become more so with practice. If you are new to stretching, go slowly so you don’t hurt yourself and gradually build up the amount of time you hold a static stretch as well as how often you do it.
INFLEXIBLE
John and I have a dear friend who is about 5 years younger than we are. We occasionally tease him because he absolutely cannot sit in the “Criss-cross applesauce” position because he is so inflexible. I’ve thought of him many times as I’ve embarked on my new stretching routine. Sworkit.com reports that stretching helps with flexibility, decreases the risk of lower back pain, promotes circulation, prepares the body for exercise, improves functional performance, reduces muscle tension, enhances muscle relaxation, helps reduce and manage stress , improves posture, helps relieve post exercise aches and pains, could help reduce your risk of injury as well as decrease muscle stiffness and increase range of motion.
HDD
In case you don’t know, here at HDD, we are able to see your muscles (hopefully they are nice and stretched out,) joints, tendons, ligaments nerves and joints with musculoskeletal ultrasound. If you and your provider determine diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.
Happy stretching!
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